Best 5 Solar Companies in San Diego, CA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in San Diego

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar array. Here are some essential aspects to consider while shopping for a solar installer.

Licensing and Training

California requires solar companies to hold licenses for each type of equipment they install, which can include solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, boilers, HVAC, water heaters, and pool heaters. Contractors must take a highly comprehensive educational series, gain four years of field experience, and pass written exams to earn licensure. Solar providers can also pursue certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. The most recognized ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in San Diego

Your solar modules' model will affect how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar company offers these add-ons, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's crucial for you.

A majority of San Diego homeowners select solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $17,350 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in San Diego

Solar installers use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, cash payments, solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We recommend working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each representative about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your spending limits.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in San Diego.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own rebates, incentives, and financing programs that could save you more money.